Friday, June 29, 2012

Arthur, IL Freedom Celebration: Saturday, June 30th: Spectacular Firework Display!


Arthur, home of the largest firework display in central Illinois, will be lighting up the sky with colorful fireworks this Saturday, June 30. In past years, Arthur has had thousands of people come to town to see the popular firework show.

“Last year was probably our best show. There were probably about 20,000 people in town,” quoted Tim Singer, the Arthur Fireworks Chairman. “We hired a new contractor, Central States Fireworks of Athens, IL last year, and they will be returning again this year. I hope for another good show from them ,” Singer stated.

John Weitekamp, the lead designer of Central States Fireworks, is a 12 year veteran of fireworks. He carefully crafts the design and implementation of each show. The Arthur Rotary Club, The Village of Arthur, CBM Plastics Inc, Tri-County Welding and The Arthur Park Board will be sponsoring the fireworks and Freedom Celebration this Saturday.

Not only is the Freedom Celebration popular for launching fireworks, but it's also a big day for business in Arthur. “We have been told the restaurants, service stations and some other businesses have their best day of the year the day during the Arthur Fireworks. Any time you bring people to Arthur for an event, it is an opportunity to showcase the town and people always come back,” Singer explained.

The Freedom Celebration will kick off the day with a parade beginning at 1pm. Parade line-up begins at noon at the Old Progress Tank Facility at 402 East Progress Street. The parade's theme is “United We Stand.”

At 4pm, in Jurgens Park, (south of the high school off Route 133), events throughout the evening will feature an air show with skydivers, helicopter rides, and, possibly, a World War II aircraft. Helicopter rides will cost $20 per person. Food and drink stands, as well as inflatable games will also be available. Handicapped parking will be accessible to those who are in need.

Crowd members gathered at the park will have a chance to catch 2012 Arthur Firework T-shirts that will be launched by the Arthur Fire Department. The rural aviator will also be dropping t-shirts from a powered parachute over the country roads (weather permitting). Between 5 and 6pm, the WWII aircraft is expected to make its appearance. Then, about an hour before the fireworks, sky-divers from the Mid Illinois Sport parachute club will fall from the sky onto the football field. The National Anthem will be played as the last sky-diver lands, carrying the American Flag.

Central States Fireworks will begin launching off their fireworks at approximately 9:30pm in Jurgens Park. “The giant fireworks display will feature an exceptional array of shells from around the world, including many American specialties,” said Mark Jones, the Rotary Club Fireworks Commissioner.

Some of the featured fireworks this year include a “Cube Shell’ that forms a three-dimensional cube, the wall of fire and the ultimate fireball. The show will also be bringing back the popular-requested rural patriot, who will ride his horse through the “Niagara Falls” while carrying the American Flag. Those watching the firework show, will enjoy music broadcast by the 106.7 radio station team. They simulcast the music in time to the fireworks. This year's display is expected to last about 24 minutes long.

Singer, (Arthur Fireworks Chairman), believes that Arthur puts on a memorable firework show that encourages people to return year after year. He explained the key ingredients to putting on such a successful event: “We have built a reputation of providing a first class show over the 15 years the Rotary Club has sponsored the show. There is no other show that has the flame effects built into their show like ours and none as entertaining. Add in the WWII aircraft, skydivers and powered parachutes, there is something to watch from 4:00 until the show begins. Families can come and enjoy the show for free and not spend a dime. Or they can enjoy the concessions and helicopter rides. It is a family oriented event that kicks off the celebration of the birth of our great nation.”